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2023 RI Music Awards



On March 20 at Fête Music Hall, we once again celebrated local with one of Motif’s favorite annual gatherings: The RI Music Awards.

Although we’re the smallest state, RI has a never-ending supply of fantastic music spanning all genres. We seem to be post-COVID, at least as far as live music coming back is concerned, and we loved celebrating spring and reemergence with our diverse music community.

Along with the awards ceremony, which was hosted at the legendary venue Fête Music Hall, the night also included food from Refuel Catering, drinks and live music. Performances by School of Rock, Appala’s Eclipse, Vudu Sister, FINE. along with photos, interviews, wacky hijinks and more created a memorable evening. The event is sponsored by FMH and R1 Indoor Karting.

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You can watch footage and interviews from the event below:

No matter who the winners were each category, we feel it’s important to recognize and appreciate just how much creativity, vitality and talent is represented in our area. Many of these acts have promising futures ahead, and it is always a joy to see how music from this state evolves and captivates ears and hearts, locally and sometimes worldwide.

To all the musicians, venues, labels and audiophiles in RI, we salute you, and we hope you enjoyed the celebration!

How were nominees and winners chosen? Here’s a deep dive into the process. From Nominee to winner is pretty straightforward — readers and members of the public vote (limit one per person please)

The 2023 Winners of the RI Music Awards:

Americana

Favorite Act

The Silks

World Music

Atwater-Donnelly

Favorite R&B Act

Steve Smith & The Nakeds

Favorite Small – Medium Venue

The Parlour

Favorite Live Act

Sasquatch & the Sickabillies

Favorite Country Act

Jake Hunsinger & The Rock Bottom Band

Favorite open mic – 

The Parlour

Favorite Singer/Songwriter 

Allison Rose

Favorite Americana Vocalist 

Steve Smith

Favorite Bluegrass Band – 

Ocean State Ramblers

Favorite Jazz Act: 

Evening Sky

Favorite Concert Photographer-

Lisa Gourley

Favorite Blues Act

Neal & The Vipers

Favorite Choral Act 

Providence Gay Men’s Chorus

Favorite Folk Act 

Allysen Callery 

Street Band/Brass Band/Marching Band (Mobile)

Providence Drum Troupe

Large Instrumental Ensemble (Stationary)

Ocean State Pops Orchestra

Favorite Americana Festival

Rhode Island Folk Festival

Favorite Americana Album

Mark Cutler – Side Effects

Favorite Music Video

NOVA ONE: feeling ugly

Alternative

Favorite Act

The Quahogs

Favorite Jam Band

Jabbawaukee

Indie Rock

Ravi Shavi

Favorite Alt/Rock Live Act

The Z-Boys

Favorite Reggae Act –

Dudemanbro 

Favorite SKA Band 

The Agents

Favorite Garage Band

Ziggy Gnardust

Favorite Noise Band 

Department Of Teleportation 

Favorite Pop-Punk Act

The Dust Ruffles 

Favorite Punk Act 

Sourpunch

Favorite Hardcore Act 

The Hammer Party

Favorite Metal Act

Princess

Favorite PROG / Emo Act  

People Eating Plastic

Favorite Cover Band 

Take It to the Bridge

Favorite Tribute Band

The Winehouse Project – Amy Winehouse

Favorite Alt/Rock Vocalist 

Julie Rhodes

Breakthrough act –  

Ziggy Gnardust

Favorite Album

The Benji’s – Kitty Pills

Favorite Karaoke Night  

The Parlour

Favorite Alt Festival

PVD Fest

Favorite Sound Person  

Kris Hansen 

Favorite Promoter 

Rob Duguay

Electronica:

Favorite Hip Hop Act

Jesse The Tree

Favorite Hip-Hop Album

​​Jesse The Tree – Treely Dan

Breakthrough Hip Hop Act

Toadstool

Favorite DJ

Pauly Danger

Favorite Dance Night  

POW! Indie Dance Party (@ Dusk)

Favorite Electronic Act: 

Artist Jackie & The Wizard

Gothic / Post-Punk Act:

Joy Boys